High Fives for Horsham district’s food hygiene

Billy's on the Road Cafe. Billy's has achieved high food hygiene ratings. Pictured are staff member's L-R Meg Fuller and Becca Burston. Billinghurst. Picture : Liz Pearce. LP111114BC03 SUS-141111-131938008

A Horsham nursery is leading the way in the food hygiene stakes, contributing to the 86 per cent of 956 local businesses now holding ‘good’ or ‘very good’ ratings.

The latest Food Standards Agency (FSA) food hygiene inspections by Horsham District, Chichester District and Waverley Borough Councils showed impressive scores across the Horsham district.

Busy Bees nursery on Bartholomew Way appreciate the importance of food hygiene, and were thrilled to score five out of five when inspected on October 20.

“We are catering for little children so their health and safety is always at the forefront of everything we do,” said manager Rebecca Bourne. “Their little lives are in our hands.”

She added that food and nutrition is one of their top three priorities, and a recent silver catering mark from the Soil Association recognises their commitment to good quality, freshly prepared food.

The proud manager added of meal times: “We make sure it’s a social experience.”

Ms Bourne believes that regular inspections are a good measure for her two chefs to work towards.

She said: “It’s about that feeling of accomplishment.”

Head chef David Bergers added: “It’s vital that we provide a healthy, clean environment for our children and staff.”

RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

Almost 65 per cent (244) of restaurants and cafes in the Horsham district scored a glowing five out of five.

Last month, Alpacas on the Run in Faygate (October 15) and Billy’s on the Road in Billingshurst (October 1) were also given the ‘very good’ stamp of approval.

Around a quarter (98) of Horsham restaurants and cafes scored four out of five.

Among these was Restaurant Tristan, in East Street, which was inspected on August 21. It has also been rated the second best restaurant in Horsham by Trip Advisor.

Trip Advisor favourite Restaurant 107 on Cranleigh High Street and popular chain Bill’s in Market Square, Horsham, which was inspected on September 5, also hold the ‘good’ rating.

Lower down the scale, 26 restaurants and cafes scored a three with ‘generally satisfactory’ standards, seven scored two (improvement necessary) and one pub restaurant scored just one out of five (major improvement necessary).

HOTELS, BED & BREAKFASTS, GUEST HOUSES

Of the 48 properties listed, just one business scored three out of five.

Some 21 businesses have the four rating, including the Y Centre and Chequers Hotel in Pulborough.

Michelin starred South Lodge Hotel, Amberley Castle Hotel and two local Travelodges are among the 26 hotels and guest houses with a five.

Springfields Hotel in Horsham recently got top marks when inspected in August.

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